Don't want a Tesla Model Y? Try these instead

The Tesla Model Y is Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV) by some margin, and there’s an updated model arriving imminently.

It would seem to be the default choice if you’re after a mid-sized electric SUV then, right?

That’s why brand after brand is going straight for the Model Y.

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Rivals include the BYD Sealion 7, Deepal S07, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5 and EV6, Leapmotor C10, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X and Xpeng G6.

You could even count a raft of similarly priced but smaller EV models, while there’s more direct competition coming in the shape of the Cupra Tavascan, Geely EX5, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5.

Sheesh, did we miss any?

The competition is getting tougher, which can only benefit buyers – particularly those who are looking to leave the Tesla fold.

Perhaps you’re sick of how common Teslas have become, or you dislike the company’s CEO. Maybe you just feel strongly about wanting an actual instrument cluster.

Whatever your reason for wanting an alternative to the Model Y, the CarExpert team has put forward some suggestions.

Let us know your pick in the comments below!

Max Davies: BYD Sealion 7

Having driven a selection of the new electric SUVs arriving from China, it really does seem the Sealion 7 is coming in with the best shot at being a real thorn in Tesla’s side.

Strong build quality and competitive pricing aside, the Sealion 7 has one key advantage over the likes of Deepal, Leapmotor and Xpeng: BYD’s quick establishment in the local market.

BYD has firmly put its foot in Australia’s door with a logical lineup of vehicles and more on the way. Its introduction of models like the Seal, Sealion 6 and Shark 6 prove it’s a brand with Australian wants in mind, and it’s being rewarded with convincing sales figures – when they’re not held up at Australia’s ports, of course.

The Deepal S07, Leapmotor C10, and Xpeng G6 – the last of which has received particularly positive feedback so far – on the other hand have the challenge of kickstarting not only their individual campaigns locally, but also launching their respective brands.

I can’t help but feel that if any one of these manufacturers isn’t able to produce something unique or at least considerably better than the others, they won’t be around for very long.

Sure, there will be people averse to the Model Y taking a gamble on those other brands, just as there were with Tesla when it made its Australian push 10 or so years ago. Others are likely to go with the Sealion 7 alternative and BYD as a whole instead; a car brand that is already much more diverse than Tesla ever was and probably ever will be.

Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything BYD Sealion 7

Sean Lander: Hyundai Santa Fe

I know, this is kind of left-field but they are a similar price, you can get a hybrid model (Elite Hybrid is $65,000) and it’s just as odd to look at, but from a completely different perspective.

Looks aside, the Santa Fe is far better equipped than a Model Y and has more space (and seats).

Plus if they ever bring the PHEV to Australia you can use a Tesla charger to charge it and show them what a real bold design looks like.

Interested in buying a Hyundai Santa Fe? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Buy a Hyundai Santa Fe

Jordan Mulach: BYD Sealion 7

It’s very hard to go past a BYD Sealion 7, is for no other reason (though there are many) that it’s a brand which has now entrenched itself in Australia, and is starting to stand on its own two feet.

The related Seal sedan is a good thing, so the proposition of getting into a more spacious Sealion 7 is a tantalising one.

The recent price increase for the new Model Y Juniper facelift also adds value to the Sealion 7, which is probably one of the best bangs for your buck you can get in Performance trim.

I was initially critical of BYD when they looked to launch in earnest with the Atto 3, but the Seal, Sealion 6 and Shark 6 have so far shown it knows what buyers want.

Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything BYD Sealion 7

Marton Pettendy: Nissan X-Trail e-Power

No it’s not an electric vehicle, but this family-size medium SUV looks a whole lot better than a Tesla Model Y, and won’t leave you stranded or looking for a charger that’s not broken or takes forever to top up your battery.

Yet it also drives like an EV, offers far better ride quality and returns fuel consumption that almost matches a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, plus a 900km range.

And it comes with a 10-year warranty and the aftersales backup of almost 200 dealers nationwide.

At just over $50,000, the price of admission is also lower than a Model Y, and many other Chinese-made mid-sized electric SUVs.

Indeed, all X-Trail e-Power variants are cheaper than any Juniper, and for $60K (before on-road costs), the lavish Ti-L flagship has all the latest safety, multimedia and luxury equipment you’ll ever want, without having to operate them via a touchscreen.

Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Nissan X-Trail

Jack Quick: Kia EV5

After driving a range of the new Chinese entrants, I keep coming back to the Kia EV5 as an electric SUV I could actually see myself living with.

In fact a lot of people would likely be perfectly suited to the entry-level EV5 Air Standard Range, which offers 400km of WLTP range. At $56,770 before on-roads, however, its asking price isn’t quite as enticing as some newer, less-established rivals.

Despite this, the EV5 feels like one of the few car-like electric SUVs on sale and for people getting into an EV from a combustion car, this can make a world of a difference. Sure it has a large wraparound screen for infotainment, but it doesn’t feel like the entire car hinges around this.

Its handling does err on the more comfort-oriented side, but SUVs aren’t inherently sporty anyway due to their higher ride height and body roll.

Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Kia EV5

William Stopford: Cupra Formentor VZe

Yes, yes, I’ve heard all the plug-in hybrid complaints.

“There’s twice as much to maintain!”

“It’s like carrying snow boots around all year when you’ll only go to the snow a few times!”

Whatever. The fact of the matter is, an EV doesn’t currently suit me. That’s not to say it won’t later, but for now a PHEV strikes a better balance for my needs.

I have a soft spot for the Cupra Formentor in all its forms, even with its occasionally frustrating switchgear and infotainment system. Sure, it’s smaller than a Model Y but it’s nicer inside, and its more compact dimensions make it more nimble and enjoyable to drive.

An updated model is due this year with considerably more electric range than the current car, too.

But if an EV does suit your needs, the Model Y is very good value, and as mentioned a raft of new Chinese rivals are out for its blood.

Of these, the BYD Sealion 7 and Xpeng G6 appear to be the most compelling competition, but alas I haven’t had the chance to drive either yet.

Outside of Chinese rivals, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has always been a favourite of mine because of its distinctive styling inside and out, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E after its price adjustments comes in cheaper.

Interested in buying a Cupra Formentor? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Cupra Formentor

James Wong: Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Yes, I know, it’s not an EV. But, if I was actually shopping for an electrified mid-size family SUV, I don’t know if I’d be down for one of the EV options at the base Model Y’s price point.

The X-Trail e-Power offers much of the driving characteristics of an EV – smooth, effortless and quiet performance, one-pedal driving mode (nearly) – but without the hassle of plugging in.

For a little over $65,000 drive-away you can have a fully decked out Ti-L which offers features like quilted Nappa leather trim (available in Tan, too); dual 12.3-inch displays; semi-autonomous driving capability; and a wonderfully spacious and practical cabin.

Range anxiety? The X-Trail e-Power will easily get over 700km per tank, and filling it up is an easy 5-minute stop at the servo, rather than a 30-45 min stay at a DC public charger – provided you get one straight away.

I know some EV owners will pan me for that last bit, but if it’s your primary vehicle and you’re travelling long distance with kids on board, I’d rather not have the hassle.

Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Nissan X-Trail